ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This investigation was aimed at gaining an understanding of the learning processes in the
English Foreign Language programme at Stellenbosch University. The relationships between
students’ reported language learning strategy use and their language proficiency as
measured on a standardised English language proficiency test were recorded and the
influence of other learner factors such as age, gender, motivation, culture and educational
background, and teacher-centeredness versus learner/learning-centeredness in learning
situations and curricula were explored.
A literature review was done to provide some insight into similar research conducted
internationally and in South Africa and to provide a framework for this investigation.
Research contributions by Chamot & Kupper (1989), Mahlobo (1999), Oxford (1990) and
Van der Walt and Dreyer (1995a & 1995b) provided insight and a foundation for this
investigation.
The research is primarily qualitative and set in an interpretivist paradigm in an attempt to
firstly explore the relationship between reported language learning strategy use and English
language proficiency in the skills of reading and listening and secondly to explore other
factors which could impact on the development of English language proficiency in all four
language skills. The study was not concerned with a search for generalisible phenomena, but
was aimed at providing a descriptive analysis of the interpreted understanding of social
phenomena with regard to English Foreign language learning processes, where English
proficiency had to be used for academic purposes. Information was obtained through
observation, informal discussions, questionnaires, interviews, focus group interviews and
English language proficiency test results.
Results were interpreted for this particular situation at Stellenbosch University and
suggestions were made as to how language learning strategies could be incorporated into
the English Foreign Language curriculum to optimise the development of English language
proficiency. Suggestions for further related research were also made.